There are mountain views, and then there are mountain views of the Dolomites. in northern Italy’s South Tyrol province owns the latter. The resort looks out on the grand mountain range lining the horizon, so you can either stare and relax in your luxury accommodations or step out and begin your adventure.
But first you have to get here, which is no cakewalk. The resort sits at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet and is accessible only by cable car, which you board in the tiny village of Lana. The second thing you notice upon arrival (after those vistas!) is Vigilius’ elegant, wooden architecture. Conceived by Milan-based firm , the horizontal structure flows inconspicuously into the alpine surroundings. In fact, much of the resort was constructed with waste wood from the nearby larch forest.
The guestrooms have a similar modern alpine aesthetic, with clean lines, blonde wood accents and soul-stirring glimpses of the mountains. Onsite dining options range from the white tableclothed Restaurant 1500 to the more casual Parlour Ida, which serves rustic Italian dishes and is warmed by a 100-year-old tiled stove.
Beyond seasonal eats and ace accommodations, Vigilius offers a spa with spring water pools as well as a fitness program that includes guided hikes and mountain bike rides, archery lessons, and, come winter, toboggan rides. Because what would a simple-but-swank mountain resort be without a toboggan ride?
The Details: vary from around $350 to $440 per night.